The Brick Bay Folly Competition

Where bold ideas take shape.

Since 2015, the Brick Bay Folly competition has challenged emerging Aotearoa architects to push creative boundaries, crafting experimental structures that bridge art and architecture. Guided by expert mentors, participants tackle real-world design and construction challenges, gaining hands-on experience that shapes their careers. Each winning folly brings a fresh vision to life, inspiring visitors and celebrating the future of architecture.
Call for Entries — Folly 2026

Call for Entries — Folly 2026

The Brick Bay Folly is a unique opportunity for emerging architects to push creative boundaries at the intersection of sculpture and architecture.
Brick Bay Folly 2025: Yellow Post

Brick Bay Folly 2025: Yellow Post

Yellow Post is a towering tribute to communal gathering, inspired by traditional Māori hākari stages and reimagined through bold colour and modern form.
Brick Bay Folly 2024: Femme-Ly Velues

Brick Bay Folly 2024: Femme-Ly Velues

Femme-ly Velues is an expression of both femininity and feminism. Playing on the traditional term ‘family values’,
Brick Bay Folly 2023: Te Reo o Te Hau (Voice of the Kōkōhau)

Brick Bay Folly 2023: Te Reo o Te Hau (Voice of the Kōkōhau)

Brick Bay is proud to announce the opening of the 8th Folly competition winner - Te Reo o te Hau (Voice of the Kōkōhau).
Brick Bay Folly 2022 Winner: The Nest

Brick Bay Folly 2022 Winner: The Nest

We are delighted to announce that The Nest has been recognised in three separate design awards
Brick Bay Folly 2020/21: Genealogy of the Pacific

Brick Bay Folly 2020/21: Genealogy of the Pacific

The 6th and most recent Folly winner has now been officially announced and opened to the public.
Brick Bay Folly 2019: The Wood Pavilion

Brick Bay Folly 2019: The Wood Pavilion

Leo Zhu, Dorien Viliamu, Daniel Fennell & Wenhan Ji created The Wood Pavilion - a sloped, sculptural folly inviting visitors to pause and connect with nature.
Brick Bay Folly 2018: Jonah

Brick Bay Folly 2018: Jonah

Kevin Kun Ding, Norman Wei, Kim Huynh & Cynthia Yuan's folly was inspired by Jonah’s tale, offering shelter and reflection by the lake’s edge.
Brick Bay Folly 2017: Te TakiTaki

Brick Bay Folly 2017: Te TakiTaki

Sophie Edwards, Jayne Kersten, Tom Dobinson & George Grieve created Te Takitaki, which succeeded Belly of the Beast as Brick Bay’s guardian.
Brick Bay Folly 2016: Daughter of the Swamp

Brick Bay Folly 2016: Daughter of the Swamp

Architecture grads Milojevic, Rose, Mahon & engineer Roberts won the 2016 Brick Bay Folly with Daughter of the Swamp.
Brick Bay Folly 2015 Belly of the Beast

Brick Bay Folly 2015 Belly of the Beast

Architectural students Matt Ritani and Declan Burn won the Brick Bay Folly 2015 competition